The Winter Companion

To say I have been looking forward to this book is an understatement, the moment I read the very first book in this series I just knew that Neville needed his story and then his story was going to be an emotional one. Mimi Matthews is a master at heart-wrenching and thought-provoking stories, but, even I am stunned by just how beautiful this book is.
This is a truly magical, richly emotional and captivating love story, with two of the most complex and deserving characters that I have come across. I knew that Neville would take me on an emotional roller coaster ride and I was right, he brought all boundaries crashing down and made everyone love him for who he truly is and Clara is absolutely perfect for our strong and shy hero, I adore her caring, gentle and unwavering support and love of him. It makes the heart melt so much, I am a mess, this is perfection in every single way.
So for those who haven’t been hanging on to the every word of this beautiful series like I have, then let me re-cap; The Parish Orphan’s of Devon is a group of four friends who as you have guessed it are orphan’s, they all grew together and after an incident that changed their lives, especially that of our hero here; Neville they went their own ways. This is book four and as you may have guessed the one that myself and many, many other readers have been avidly waiting for. You can very easily read them as stand-a-lones, as each book is very much its own story centring around one of the orphan’s, personally though I would read them in order there is just something very special about this series that needs to read in order to fully see just how mesmerizing this is.
When Neville was a young parish orphan, along with his three best friends and practical brothers, a horrific accident happened which changed his life forever. It fractures their little band of brothers and leaves him with a disability, one of which he knows people see or hear before they even give him the chance. He finds talking with his friends hard enough, but at least they know him, he finds it near enough impossible to converse with others outside his little circle, much preferring the companionship of his animals.
It’s Christmas at Greyfriars Abbey, which those who have been following this series will know it is held by one of the orphans whom the whole series has been following; Justin and his lovely wife; Helena. He has brought his friends all together again after so many years apart to finally have their much deserved happily family Christmas together. With the guests, is lady’s companion; Clara Hartwright, who has no wish to be the centre of any attention, her only asperations in life is to study and to be an academic something which as we all know wasn’t conventional or even allowed during the era. Whilst there she meets silent, strong and complex Neville a huge man with a kind and caring soul who like her has a love for being in the background and a passion for animals.
Can you see why I love this man so much?
Aw, my darling Neville, he broke my heart, he mended it again, he made me sigh with joy and shed tears of happiness. He is easily one of the most thoughtful, inspiring and complexly gently creature that has ever walked out of Mimi Matthews brilliant mind. I adore her writing there is something very magical about the way she can capture every emotion in a single scene, honestly, this lady could write a phone book and make it enchanting, but I really fell in love with Neville, I think that he is easily the best hero Mimi has written – which feels a little traitorous saying an I have loved every single one of the Orphans, yet this man just caught my heart and even now refuses to relinquish it.
I love that Clara unlike so many others sees past his disability and really sees the true and gentle man beneath, it breaks my heart sees those moments when Neville really struggles with his speech and how others perceive him to be, they judge him to be simple and feeble-minded instead of getting to know him and this is another reason I like Clara so much she is kind, caring and patient she knows better than to judge on sight. This is another reason why they are so perfect for each other. Mimi Matthews really has out written herself with Clara and Neville.
Their romance isn’t a boom and it’s over, it’s slow and but the emotion and the atmosphere shimmers, I really love that they do become friends before anything else they get to know each other and that builds up into something more.
What I absolutely loved about this series, especially with the first book is that Neville is the soothing balm in the midst of three very different personalities in the form of his friends and fell orphans; Justine, Tom and Alex, I totally see him as the glue that holds their little group together even if at times through heir lives there has been difficulties and incivility towards one and other, they all have their love for Neville that brings them once again together. I really loved seeing them all in this and how at ease they all are now they have all found happiness and contentment its a beautiful piece of writing and some of Mimi’s very best.
I really must mention the vivid Victorian detail that is in itself a story, Mimi’s skill at capturing every single scene so well that it is like looking down a lens into their world, every aspect of Victorian life is beautifully portrayed, the way they live whether that be the wealthy of the more, the simple rustle of the ladies skirts, the weather, the scents, the sights the feel of fabric, how the house is decorated and even the atmosphere when certain characters are in the room together, not a single thing is missed and it draws the reader into the flawless and sensual world that Mimi has built around her characters. You just feel Mimi’s passion for the era, her absolute love of this period in time is reflected in each word she writes.
Yet again Mimi Matthews has created the most enchanting true love story, she has once again proved that she is the queen of the emotional, tender and magical historical romance.

Beautiful! One of my favorite authors! I’ve read all of her books and that all make me cry. Love Neville and Clara’s story

Perfection. Yes, that is exactly the descriptive word for Neville’s story and to be truthful, this entire series. I have read each book and then listened to the audible companion, which made my heart swell even more. Each story is a building block upon the other and made Mimi Matthews become one of the amazing authors that I knew my reading mind could never do without. Her descriptive prose, in depth character insight and flowing storyline are one of the best to be found.
Neville has been somewhat of a mystery from the beginning. He was the quiet man who did many jobs at the manor and took care of the stables and animals. It was evident he was such a compassionate soul and that even though his speech was difficult, his mind was the opposite. It took the almost perfect/imperfect person to breach that gulf and Clara Hartwright was the perfect one. Their souls were bound for each other and it was just a matter of time before they joined.
I am truly sad this series is at an end, but the revisit with all of the characters from each story warmed my heart. Looking forward to the audible version and also the next story this fabulous author will write. Perfection.

A satisfying conclusion to the author’s Orphans series, and worth the wait.

Be still, my heart! Neville gets a chance to show us why his friends love him so much and have stood by him, through thick and thin. Clara gets the chance to see this as well, and despite her determination to protect her heart and guard her mouth, she can’t help herself from opening up to Neville. Neville is not a simpleton; he is a man. A kind, compassionate, and strong man who sees Clara for the woman she is. A delightful culmination of the Parish Orphans and the women who showed them how to love and live again. I could not have asked for a happier ending. While Neville and Clara’s story can be read and enjoyed as a standalone, it is so much more sweet and fulfilling when all the stories are understood as woven together.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions expressed are solely my own.

Upfront I want to highly recommend The Winter Companion. It is my favorite of the Parish Orphans series. Neville is the handsome, strong, almost silent type. Good with animals and a lady with a heavy heart. Clara is a kind person who has read too much into the actions of others and has not stood up for herself. They make a perfect couple; their relationship makes them both better. They deserve a HEA together and get it, one of the most perfect ones I have ever read.

Along with Bertie and the ponies.

The Winter Companion is the fourth book in the series and unfortunately the last. I have devoured each page anticipating what happens next. This author is the best at writing romance. She knows how to evoke emotion from the characters and make the reader feel a part of the story. The hero, Neville is now my new book boyfriend. Oh how I loved how he treated and treasured the heroine, Clara. That first kiss was probably the sweetest and most precious kiss I have ever read. Sigh and swoon. This series is among the best books I have ever read and Matthews concluded the series beautifully with a wonderful happily ever after for all.
*I was given a copy of this book by the author and this is my honest opinion.

The Winter Companion is the fourth book in Mimi Matthews’s series the “Parish Orphans of Devon”. This is actually the first book I’ve had the pleasure of reading from Ms. Matthews. I’ve heard so many positive things about her books and am now kicking myself for not picking up her books before now! 😉 I truly was impressed with this story and am definitely going back to read her previous books! So happy to have found a new author to read and follow!

Neville Cross along with his three friends, the heroes from the previous books in this series were parish orphans. When a childhood accident leaves Neville with a speech impediment, he retreats to the care of animals where he feels more comfortable.

Clara Hartwright is a lady’s companion and finds herself at Greyfriar’s Abbey at Christmas time with her new employer. Clara has big dreams and is only working as a companion temporarily to help fund her brother’s education.

I absolutely loved Clara and Neville, they were such fabulous characters! They are kind, sweet, loving people who have personalities that hold them back. Clara holds herself back because of an incident in her past and Neville’s speech impediment has him fearful of moving forward. As these two become friends, they form a bond and wish for something more. There is an attraction and they are drawn to each other, but their paths seem to be going in different directions.

What a beautifully written story of two people who truly deserved to find love! I was truly impressed with Ms. Matthews’s writing style and the detailed descriptions of the settings. I loved that she gave Clara and Neville time to know each other and to allow their friendship to grow into love. Their storyline with the Dartmoor ponies and Bertie the pug was absolutely perfect for them and a joy to read. They were such a special couple and they truly stole my heart! I loved getting glimpses of the previous characters from the series and I can’t wait to go back and read their individual stories.

Words can’t describe how much I enjoyed this book! As I mentioned earlier, I have not read the previous books in this series, but had no problem keeping up with the storyline and felt this book could easily be read as a standalone. But after meeting all the fascinating characters from the previous books, I am definitely going back to read their stories! Highly recommend this book and author!

If you are following me on Facebook, Instagram or Goodreads, you will know that Mimi Matthews is my new author obsession. I started with the first book in this series and then worked my way forward and back. I have loved all the books. Did you know that this author does a serial novel- releasing a chapter at a time- in her newsletter? It’s SO good and it’s also driving me nuts because one chapter per month is a horrible way to read a novel by this author!! I lack patience.

This is the fourth book in this series. I would recommend reading them in order for your best reading enjoyment. The characters from previous books play a large role in each book so it has a building feel to it. This book especially. All four friends are together for the Christmas holiday and knowing their backstories will really help.

I’ve been waiting and dreaming of Neville’s story. I knew there would be so much to learn with him. We’ve been getting bits and pieces of his childhood accident through the other characters and their stories but it was so nice to actually get the story from Neville himself. Neville is the most kind and gentle human. I found him utterly charming and endearing. I loved how Clara and Neville bond over the animals, each filling a need for the other in the most gentle and easy way. I also loved the quiet of the barn and how crucial that peace was for Neville as opposed to the gathering inside the house which was louder, more jovial and consequently more oppressive to Neville. Neville really stretches himself to be with Clara and wow, it is ever satisfying to read.

I loved this book. I loved Neville. I love this series. I love this author. Don’t hate me for using the L word too much.

Content: there may have been a few instances of mild swearing and profanity (using God or Jesus as an exclamation) but I cannot remember exactly. There were in previous books so there’s a good chance.

As reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-17X

Neville Cross and his three friends, Justin, Tom, and Alex, were raised together at the orphanage in Devon, becoming as close as brothers. Their adventures often took them to the dangerous cliffs, where they fearlessly played – until one day, when Neville had a serious accident. Neville fell, injuring his head, and falling into the sea. Alex rescued him, but the wound left lasting damage. Now, thirty-one years old, Neville lives at Justin’s home, training to become his land steward when the current man retires. Though he’s competent to do the work, his true calling is with animals, and he spends much time in the stable with the horses. Neville is fully functioning, except for his speech, and the occasional lapse in his attention. And when a beautiful young lady comes to the stables looking for him, it seems that his ability to speak has deserted him completely.

Clara Hartwright is the new companion to Mrs. Bainbridge, currently a guest at Justin’s home. When Clara’s last employer passed away, she left an elderly pug, Bertie, whom Clara rescued after the family wanted him destroyed. Clara now seeks a safe spot for him in the stables. The tall, handsome, but oddly silent man, who appears to be Mr. Cross, finally is able to speak to assure her that the little dog will be kept safe.

Tom and Alex, along with their wives and additional family have come to spend three weeks at Justin’s home for Christmas, reuniting all four orphans. Justin has made sure that Neville is aware that he has to spend time with them in the house, and not hide out in the stable. Though Neville has no problem communicating with his three friends, and has become quite comfortable with their wives, he still is uncomfortable around those he doesn’t know. That’s when he struggles to find words. He’s eager to assure Clara, however, that her little dog is fine, and soon Bertie is the common ground for them to become friends and better acquainted.

A shared love of animals, some walks along the beach, and a shared tender kiss make it obvious that Clara and Neville are smitten with each other. Despite their growing romance, it seems that any chance of a future together is very small. Neville feels his limitations strongly, and believes that he can’t leave Devon, that he must stay in his safe environment. He feels he’s incapable of anything further, and how can that possibly provide a life for Clara? She also feels hopeless, as Clara is obligated to work and use the bulk of her salary to pay for her brother’s education. Guilt over a long ago presumed transgression, which had repercussions for her family, drives Clara to put her brother first.

Neville is one of those men you just want to climb into the book and hug! His care, his tenderness with animals, his kindness and gentleness make him a person to genuinely admire. He’s so well written, that I could feel his frustration every time the words he wanted to say so badly just wouldn’t come out. He’s an intelligent man, it’s just that the injury caused a lasting disconnect in his speech. Clara is a woman who takes her responsibilities seriously, but still allows a tiny part of herself to dream. I love how she didn’t see Neville as being inferior or deficient in any way. When he struggled, she seemed, almost intuitively, to know what he was trying to communicate. They appear to be perfect for each other. Yet, when Clara is immediately summoned away on a family emergency, their interlude is over, and they won’t be seeing each other again.

THE WINTER COMPANION is yet another stellar romance from Mimi Matthews, whose talent for writing heartfelt stories with fully developed characters is awesome. I felt that I knew Clara and Neville, and could feel their emotions and motivations. The romance is genuine, warm, and touching, while the resolution is satisfying and believable. I lived in this book as I read it, and also loved seeing the four boys, now grown men, reunited and as close as ever. This is the final book of the Parish Orphans of Devon series, and it can be read as a standalone. However, the previous three books are just as amazing, and I can heartily recommend the whole series. The sign of a great book is wanting to read it again, and I plan to soon take a weekend and re-immerse myself in this whole series.